10 Trader Joe's Dupes That Are Just as Good as the Real Thing

Never pass up a good dupe!

There are so many (perhaps too many) reasons to love shopping at Trader Joe’s. Most loyalists love to peruse the aisles and Fearless Flyer for new, unique products, like Ube ice cream or Caramel Apple Mochi, but the truth is, TJs has a knack for creating dupes of our favorite classics. And while you may be a brand-name loyalists, we’re encouraging you to take a shot and try some of these alternative options. In addition to being more affordable, many of these Trader Joe's snacks and products are just as good (if not better) than the original.

Related: 10 Lazy Trader Joe's Meals You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less

Daily Facial Sunscreen

Buying sunscreen is one of the less thrilling items to shop for, mainly because it’s so expensive. In recent years, consumers have been more mindful of sunscreen brands, since many of them are made with toxic ingredients such as oxybenzone and parabens. But Trader Joe’s has come to our rescue with a product that is very similar to Supergoop’s popular Unseen Sunscreen, except it costs 75 percent less than the brand name. For just $9.99, you can protect your skin with the Daily Facial Sunscreen that’s SPF 40, water- and sweat-resistant, and free of fragrances and oils. Make your dermatologist proud by stocking up on this lightweight sunscreen to wear all year round.

Chile Lime Tortilla Chips

Some crunchy corn chips are better than others, and Takis is just one of those snacks that gained some serious fanfare from the moment they were introduced in 1999. Leave it to Trader Joe's to come out with their own rendition of Takis—Chile & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. These rolled, zesty snacks are simply irresistible, and are the perfect vessel for scooping up salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dip. They’re also equally tasty when enjoyed all on their own.

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Over the years, there have been countless chocolate peanut butter cup dupes, but none have come close to holding a candle next to the classic Reese’s…until Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re a dark chocolate fiend or prefer silky milk chocolate, TJ’s offers a 16-ounce container of the most scrumptious peanut butter cups for less than $5. So, grab one of each variety and enjoy them throughout the day when you need a pick-me-up, or as an after-dinner sweet treat!

Chocolate Vanilla Crème Joe-Joe’s

Joe-Joe’s have been around for quite some time, but did you know they recently got a bit of a “facelift”? While these sandwich cookies resemble classic Oreos, they certainly have their own original taste. The thin, crunchy chocolate cookies are made with rich cocoa powder and flaky sea salt, and then they’re filled with a decadent, whipped crème that has the perfect amount of sweetness.

Related: 4 Things You’ll Never See at Trader Joe’s, According to the CEO

Joe’s-O’s

Whether you’re two or 52, Joe’s O’s is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option with 33 grams of whole grains and 4 grams fiber per 1 ¾ cup serving. They’re also chock-full of vitamins and minerals, with 25 percent of your daily value of zinc, 45 percent DV iron, and 60 percent DV thiamin (vitamin B1). The only real difference between this and the popular name-brand (it rhymes with shmeerios), is that you can get a 15-ounce box of Joe’s O’s for under $2, which is about a dollar cheaper. And if you want something a tad sweeter for your first meal of the day, grab a box of Honey O’s.

Crispy Rice Cereal

Here’s another prime example proving that you don’t always have to buy name-brand cereal. If you love kicking off the morning with a little snap, crackle, pop, might we suggest trying TJ’s Crispy Rice Cereal? Pour yourself a nice, big bowl with freshly sliced berries and bananas, or use them to make homemade crispy rice marshmallow squares. It’s always a good idea to have a box of these on hand.

All-Butter Puff Pastry Sheets

The key to making delicious homemade dishes is to find a tad of convenience whenever possible. That’s why you’re going to want to pick up a box of two of these frozen puff pastry sheets. Just like the Pillsbury brand, these pre-made pastry sheets make it beyond easy to whip up anything from tarts to galettes. The only difference you may notice from TJ’s and other brands is that these pastry sheets have a strong, buttery taste, which if you ask me, is not a real problem.

Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches

The Original Chipwich is so nostalgic that you can pretty much hear the ice cream truck driving down the street with each bite. And while there are many knockoffs out there, none are as delicious as TJ’s iteration—Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches. The trick is to make sure the chocolate chip cookies are soft and a bit chewy, and the vanilla ice cream should be firm, but smooth enough to sink your teeth into.

Scandinavian Swimmers

If you only indulge in one type of TJ’s candy, make it their famous Scandinavian Swimmers. They might resemble Swedish Fish, but if we’re being honest, they’re far better than those little red candies. Aside from the adorable ocean-inspired shapes, the vibrant colors and unique flavors make these sweet treats one of TJ’s most coveted items. From berry and huckleberry to peach-mango and tart orange, you’ll never be able to choose your favorite.

Related: A 1-Pound Chocolate Bar and 12 More Trader Joe's Items Chocolate Fans Will Love

Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix

Picture this: it’s Sunday morning and your whole family wakes up to the irresistible scent of freshly made pancakes. Little do they know there’s at least 10 grams of protein in their perfectly fluffy stack. There are countless types of protein pancake or waffle mixes but TJ’s version is made with whole ingredients and is competitively priced.

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